Urja Trust: an NGO in Mumbai protecting victims of sexual abuse

THE reality of sexual abuse is a harrowing tale that often goes unnoticed. Urja Trust is an NGO in Mumbai that rehabilitates vulnerable girls who escape abusive homes only to find themselves on the unforgiving streets where they are vulnerable to sexual abuse. Deepali Vandana is the co-founder of this NGO in Mumbai that is dedicated to shedding light on this dire situation and providing a safe haven for victims of sexual abuse. Founded in 2014, Urja Trust is now facing a critical shortage of funds to keep its home open and keep its survivors safe and on the path to recovery. This blog explores the noble work of Urja Trust, Deepali’s inspiring journey and the urgent fundraising campaign to ensure the continuation of their impactful initiatives.

The harsh realities of gender-based violence

Deepali Vandana’s words describe the pain of a 9-year-old girl who ran away from home to escape sexual abuse by her own biological father. The fact that even the child’s mother turned a blind eye to the sexual abuse highlights the pervasive nature of gender-based violence in society and the apathy of people that makes it difficult for victims to seek help. Despite legislation to protect children from sexual abuse, hundreds of girls like this nine year old end up on the streets or railway platforms, desperately seeking refuge from the very people who should protect them. But on the streets, these girls are still not safe from the dangers that they ran away from.

Urja Trust’s intervention

Urja Trust is an NGO in Mumbai that provides a safe haven for these young girls and offers them shelter, protection and a chance at a better life. Deepali emphasizes that the sexual mistreatment of girls is rampant, especially in small towns and villages. The NGO in Mumbai has been tirelessly working for the past decade to provide a safe space, nutrition and rehabilitation to over 1,500 girls and supporting their physical and mental well-being. However, the success of their mission hinges on public support and without it, many vulnerable girls may be left defenseless. To support Urja Trust, you can donate here. 

Urja Trust’s outreach 

Urja Trust ‘s outreach program is strategically designed to engage with first responders in cases of gender-based violence. These first responders include the police and station workers. By building a rapport with them and sensitizing first responders toward the rights of survivors, this NGO in Mumbai ensures increased referrals, support in legal processes and expanded reach. This approach not only aids in direct intervention but also contributes to systemic change, as can be seen by the collaboration of the NGO in Mumbai with the State Women and Child Development Commissionerate. 

Holistic approach to rehabilitation

Urja Trust’s commitment to the holistic well-being of survivors is evident in its multifaceted programs. The Holistic Health and Wellbeing program of the NGO in Mumbai addresses nutritional needs, health check-ups and mental health support to overcome trauma. Urja Trust’s legal team assists survivors in understanding and exercising their rights, gaining access to identity documents and ensuring equal citizenship rights and dignity. 

Empowering young women

Urja Trust goes beyond immediate relief and focuses on long-term empowerment of survivors through career guidance, education, employment opportunities and skills training. The group sessions conducted by this NGO in Mumbai cover important areas a person should be equipped with such as essential life skills, financial literacy and digital literacy. This empowers young women to become financially independent and secure dignified livelihoods.

Recognition and impact

Urja Trust’s impactful intervention has garnered recognition from the State Women and Child Development commissionerate. This has led to the selection of this NGO in Mumbai as an implementing and capacity-building partner for the Central Scheme Sakhi: One Stop Centre in Maharashtra. Urja Trust’s engagement with the authorities resulted in the passing of a groundbreaking leave policy for contractual workers in crucial women empowerment schemes across the state. 

Deepali Vandana: a powerhouse for change

Deepali Vandada is the co-founder and managing director of Urja Trust and she brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to social justice. Raised in Kamathipura, which is infamous for crime, Deepali Vandana witnessed the exploitation of women in her community. Her journey as the co-founder of this NGO in Mumbai began at 18 as a street educator and over the years she has worked extensively with survivors of gender-based violence and focused on mental well-being and the intersections of caste and gender. Guided by her passion for justice and equity, Deepali Vandana believes in the inner strength of individuals to overcome systemic barriers. To support Urja Trust, you can donate here.

Urja Trust’s fundraiser 

Urja Trust’s fundraiser on Give.do aims to secure the future of their shelter homes for victims of sexual violence. The shelter homes of this NGO in Mumbai play a pivotal role in rescuing and rehabilitating girls who have escaped sexual abuse. The funds raised will contribute to maintaining Urja Trust’s crisis shelter in Dadar where immediate protection, health assessments, trauma-informed counseling and a safe and healing environment are provided. Furthermore, the NGO in Mumbai runs a development shelter in Chembur that focuses on empowering young women towards holistic and sustainable rehabilitation through developmental opportunities.

Support Urja Trust on Give.do

Urja Trust’s fight against sexual abuse and gender-based violence is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The multifaceted approach of this NGO in Mumbai is spearheaded by Deepali Vandana and reflects a commitment to addressing the root causes while empowering survivors for a brighter future. As Urja Trust faces the critical challenge of raising funds for its shelter homes, the urgent call for public support becomes paramount. 

Compassionate individuals who donate to Urja Trust’s fundraiser have the power to safeguard the lives of vulnerable girls and offer them the chance to break free from the chains of abuse and build a future filled with hope and opportunities. In joining hands with Deepali Vandana and her NGO in Mumbai, we contribute to a collective effort to create a society where every girl and woman can live in safety and dignity. To support Urja Trust, you can donate here.

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